Setback for ruling blocs

Ruling parties across several states suffered notable setbacks on Friday, losing four of the eight assembly seats where bypolls were conducted on November 11.

- FPJ News Service

The Congress gained ground in BJP-ruled Rajasthan while the PDP delivered a major blow to the National Conference (NC) by wresting Budgam in Jammu and Kashmir, a constituency the NC had never lost since the Valley's first assembly elections in 1957.

The BJP managed to retain influence in select pockets, winning the Nagrota seat in Jammu and Kashmir.

In Mizoram, the opposition MNF held on to the Dampa constituency, with its candidate R Lalthangliana defeating Vanlalsailova of the ruling Zoram People's Movement.